I'll admit it -- I've been around the block more than a few times. My career spans mulitple industries over many years. While the companies and organizations I've given chunks of my life to are varied, and the skills I've gained through them have provided fodder for a respectable resume, one lesson I've learned over the years is that regardless of industry or job responsibility, people skills matter more than hard/technical expertise.

I've managed to be a success and have enjoyed working in a variety of sectors which on the surface don't seem to be related. Each of these areas have one thing in common -- they rely on knowledge/technology and need people who can serve as a bridge between the technical and non-technical. It also doesn't hurt to have a great attitude.

You can be a generalist and a specialist at the same time. The key is to be creative, passionate and flexible. Your qualifications may be important, but it's your qualties that will make you a success. I strive to be a person of quality and believe my passion and creative mindset have given me the opportunity to use my "hard" skills in ways that make me unique and valuable. I'm passionate about helping others see that their worth is based as much on who they are, as what they know how to do.

Industries & Volunteerism

Industries

Don't box your self in to a specific industry or be afraid to branch out into new professional territory

Lessons learned in one occupation often translate well into others

Build on the principles from one position to the next to grow your "wealth of wisdom"

Working in each of the sectors listed here have provided me with a valuable reserve of professional currency.

Learn the Basics
- the more sales you can process, the more
money you can make
- payroll percent: the time you spend on a task directly
affects your profitability... efficiency matters
- how the customer feels is important... give them a
reason to come back

Government

Jurisdictions = Different but Similar
- create a standard product: allow room for
customization
- develop it once: adapt it as needed, sell it many
times
- accountability: trust & reputation = public
confidence
- client knowledge: leverage public servant
longevity
- sell, build & support well: sector will retain a
reliable product that is economical to maintain

Banking

One Industry - Many Opportunities
- technology: systems are important: web
development, data storage, system upgrades, etc.
...technology makes or breaks the bank
- projects: regulatory requirements lead to new
processes that must be managed with
accountability
- it's more than just money: a bank requires talent
from just about every career sector; almost any
"type" of professional can find a home in this
industry

Volunteerism

Animal Welfare

Legal

Community

Animal Welfare

Working with Animals = Good People Skills
- positive motivation works: reward what you like,
ignore what you don't
- punishment creates fear and uncertainty
- make negative/bad behavior impossible and the
impulse to act on it will disappear
- set the environment for success and you will get it
- inconsistency leads to confusion
- always respond compassionately; living beings
offer their best when they don't fear recrimination
- you don't train the dog, you train the owner to train
the dog
- train early and often, in short increments

Community

Their Needs - Your Skills
- it's not just about resume building: altruism builds
character
- no shortage of opportunity: you are needed
- intrinsically rewarding: it's a privilege to be able to
give yourself to others
- networking opportunities: life is more than just
work, a support/social circle is important too
- generosity demonstrates confidence: you have a
gift or talent worth giving
- can be an path to a new field: you don't have to be
hired to do the job

Legal

Legal Principles = Professional Common Sense
- if you didn't hear it first hand, don't rely on it
- if you can't say something nice, don't say it
- truth is important; identify and confirm your source
- email lasts forever
- work email is for professional use only
- defend your position with solid research and a well
crafted response
- don't argue every possible point, stick to the most
important one
- be respectful and cordial at all times
- ethical professionals do their best work regardless
of compensation

A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unkown.